Signal project to affect Metra Electric and South Shore

(April 19, 2018) -

Metra will be implementing a construction schedule next weekend to allow workers to complete the installation and testing of a new signal and switching system just north of the Museum Campus/11th Street Station. The work could delay Metra Electric and South Shore trains up to 10 minutes from the end of the evening rush on Thursday, April 26 through Sunday, April 29.

The schedule is needed to allow workers to safely perform the work necessary to transfer the switches at 11th Place from a manual to an automated system as required by the Positive Train Control (PTC) safety system.

“Safety will always be our number one priority and this short-term inconvenience will allow our employees to complete the changeover at this location and thoroughly test the signal system by rush hour on Monday morning,” said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski.

The work will impact trains on both the Metra Electric and the South Shore because the trains for both railroads pass through the 11th Place location. A construction schedule adding 10 minutes to the total travel time of each train will take effect at approximately 8 p.m. Thursday, April 26 and remain in effect through Sunday, April 29. Normal service is expected to resume for the Monday morning (April 30) rush hour.